Easy DIY Tissue Paper Backdrop Under $20

If you saw the Cinco De Mayo party post that went up earlier this week then you probably noticed the backdrop that was behind the table. The idea was to create something that was reminiscent of a piñata, with layers of tissue paper to add a pop of colour. This backdrop is perfect for so many things and you can create one in any combination of colours/ patterns you like using just a few basic materials and a little bit of patience (and Netflix! 😉 ).

I love how the ombre version turned out, but how pretty would an all- white one be for a wedding? Or maybe a floor- to- ceiling ombre? Or stripes? Or…? Ok I’ll stop now… The options are endless, and about as easy to make as they come, you just need to give yourself plenty of time. The one I made was 7′ * 7′ and I made it over two nights with Netflix on in the background. It’s not hard to make, just very repetitive and if you can wrangle some help to make the process a little faster I’d definitely recommend it. If you want to add a wow factor behind a party or wedding table- or want a fun photo backdrop idea- but don’t have a big budget, this is the perfect project (this cost me less than$20 in materials!). See below for the instructions.

Materials

– tissue paper

(To help you estimate how many sheets you’ll need: 1 standard size piece of tissue paper will get you 4 strips approx 25″ * 4″ or 6 strips approx 25″ * 2″ if you prefer a smaller fringe)

– scissors

– tape- regular and clear packaging tape

-glue stick

-craft paper

Directions

Directions

Decide on the size of backdrop you want to create. If you have a certain space in mind, measure how much area you want to cover and add half a foot on each side (for a total of one foot for extra coverage).

Roll out the craft paper and measure the length you need, again adding half a foot in length. Cut the pieces and tape together using the clear parcel tape.

To add durability to hang the backdrop, add a layer of the clear parcel tape along the top of the craft paper so the it doesn’t tear under the weight while hanging.

Fold your tissue in half lengthwise twice, so that the fringe strips will be approx 4- 5″ in height (if you’d prefer smaller, fold in half a third time so the strips will be approx 2- 3″ in height).

5. Cut along all of the folds to separate the tissue strips.

6. To create the fringe, make cuts that are roughly 1/2″ wide, leaving about half an inch along the top. To make this go faster, fold the strip in half. Cut as much tissue as you think you’ll need in the colours you like, separating them once cut.

7. Starting at the bottom of the kraft paper, attach the fringe strips using a glue stick or regular tape (I used tape every 10- 12″ or so). Trim the fringe to length once you get to the opposite edge. Tip: try and keep the strips as straight as possible, but if they go a little wonky, it’s really hard to notice when the backdrop is finished. Add an extra strip to an area to even it out if necessary.

8. Add the next layer of fringe approx 1- 2″ above the top of the strip below. Tip: for fuller coverage and better colour saturation only leave about 1″ space or less between layers (see what I mean in the photos above and below). Repeat (and repeat and repeat!) until you’ve covered the entire surface area of the craft paper. (This is the step you’ll probably want some company or Netflix on in the background). 😉

9. When it’s finished, use push pins or heavy- duty tape to attach to a wall. Just add some friends and a camera and enjoy!